How different was taking your motorbike test in 1988 compared with 2026?

Well, quite a lot!

This week we're comparing our very different experiences of getting our motorbike licences. From Dazza heading out on the road at 16 with no training whatsoever, to Liz navigating CBTs, theory tests, Mod 1 and Mod 2 nearly 40 years later.

And despite all those differences, there's one thing we have in common. We both failed part of it first time! Dazza in a slightly more spectacular way than Liz maybe.

Dazza also shares the story of his most serious accident just 10 days after his 17th birthday, which raises the question: Does today's more extensive training make us safer riders?

Plus, Dazza gets nerdy about countersteering, Liz shares what she's learnt about riding in the rain, and we discuss what we wish car drivers understood about motorcyclists.

A Special Mention – Iron Nomad

We've added a little extra to this episode after hearing from one of our listeners, Carl.

Carl founded Iron Nomad, a motorcycle-inspired clothing brand, in memory of his close friend Kevin, who sadly passed away in 2024, aged just 39.

Their friendship began at university in 2005 and took them on adventures around the world. Iron Nomad is Carl's way of keeping Kevin's memory and their shared spirit of adventure alive, and one we wanted to share with the biking community. Thank you, Carl, for getting in touch.

Liz also mentions the most amazing artist and biker Drawn Studio who does the most amazing drawing of motorbikes. In fact Liz has one of them in her living room. You should definitely check them out.

We'd love to hear from you! When did you take your bike test, and do you think you'd pass today's version?

And if you've got an event, a story or something you'd like us to share, get in touch!